3-D Domiciles

High-Tech Instant Homes on Horizon

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A 3-D printed home can be built in less than 24 hours at a cost of $10,000. Developers hope to cut it to $4,000 to help families living in poverty or other unsafe conditions. New Story, a housing charity organization, and ICON, a construction tech company, have partnered to try ending global homelessness. Being able to lock the door and have a safe shelter can be elusive. An entire community of printed homes is planned for construction in El Salvador.

The 650-square-foot, proof-of-concept prototype—containing a living room, small office, one bedroom and one bathroom—was built in Austin, Texas. Human workers installed the windows, doors, plumbing and electrical systems. ICON staff will use the home as an office to test its durability.